The future of DNA: Proceedings of an international If gene conference on presuppositions in science and expectations in society held at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, 2nd – 5th October 1996 - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792346203 ISBN 13: 9780792346203

Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1997

Synopsis

This book summarizes the efforts and results of the first international Ifgene conference on presuppositions in science and expectations in society with respect to genetic engineering which was held at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, October 2-5, 1996. The Goetheanum provided a unique opportunity to gather people from diverse disciplines who have opposing attitudes on modern science and technology. It is due to this venue, among other things, that the participants were able to develop an open, power-free dialogue and could focus more on judgement-forming than a polarizing debate. This Ifgene conference could not have happened without the financial support from many private individuals and the following organisations listed in no particular order: Fetzer Foundation; Stichting Triodos; Evidenzgesellschaft; Mahle Stiftung GmbH; Gemeinnlitzige Treuhandstelle e. Y. Bochum; Initiative gegen 'Bioethik'; Verband fur anthroposophische Heilpadagogik - CHi Verband flir anthroposophische Heilpadagogik, Sozialtherapie und Sozialarbeit e. Y. - D; Stichting ter bevordering van de Heilpaeda­ gogie; Iona Stichting; Antroposofische Vereniging in Nederland; Stichting Klaverblad; Swissair & Crossair; The Rudolf Steiner Association; The Welcome Association; Anthro­ posophische Gesellschaft in Deutschland; Helixor Heilmittel GmbH & Co; Goethea­ num Dornach; Verein flir anthroposophisches Heilwesen e. Y. - D; The Oakdale Trust; Unilever Nederland BV; NV Verenigde Bedrijven Nutricia; Migros-Genossenschafts­ Bund; Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Visserij; CIBA; Stichting Elise Mathilde Fonds; Anthroposophic Society Australia; Therexsys; COOP Schweiz and selected speakers (G. Stotzky - USA, H. A. de Boer - NL, J. Girard-Bascou - F, P. G.

About this title

Review

`Particularly the first half of this book will be of interest to anyone interested in alternative ways to think about DNA and its future... I enjoyed reading this part of the book.'
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 3:1 (2000)

Synopsis

The progress in biological and biomedical sciences during the 1980s and 1990s has brought with it an extensive development of the methods of molecular genetics. This has had impacts on society in many fields. Practical applications in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, food design and biotechnology are firmly established and will grow enormously in the years to come. The scientific views of DNA and genes which underpin these applications are challenging our fundamental concepts of life, nature, society and humanity. It is beyond doubt that these developments need to be evaluated and reflected upon, both from a scientific and philosophical point of view, as well as from a cultural and social perspective. This book provides a wide range of discussions about the effects of DNA thinking in science and society, in biology and in relation to what it is to be human. Insights are provided into trans-disciplinary approaches and divergent views are compared. The reports on the plenary discussions and the many workshops show progress towards a power-free dialogue, i.e. an exchange of thoughts, free of economic and political pressure.

The viewpoints of a variety of specialists, including scientists (microbiologists, molecular geneticists and clinical researchers), clinicians, philosophers and members of NGOs are presented. The contents may be of particular interest to those involved in genetic engineering, from students to policy makers, who face the challenge of the new technology in their work and who are looking for a substantial expansion and complementation of their basis for judgement forming.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792346203
• ISBN 13: 9780792346203
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 289
• Editor: Wirz J., Lammerts Van Bueren E.T.